Hybrid narrative in Yoshimoto Banana’s Kitchen

Abstract

The quality of impermanence between traditionalism and postmodernism gave birth to Banana’s unique “hybrid narrative”. There, people are caught between traditional values and the attraction of the postmodern lifestyle. Banana’s character loves the kitchen and has a traditional belief in ghosts but is also openly LGBT-identifying—a challenge to modern binarism that is ready to confront random postmodern disasters. The character tries to escape but still seems to be stuck in the same place. This is similar to the situation that young Japanese have to face. In the eternal struggle of life, they need to be honest, live according to their own personal values and, more importantly, always show a willingness to help others with the most practical actions. Observing the world as a whole, Banana’s novels and short stories are simultaneously new and old, and readers today are eager for her stories.